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Paper short abstract:

Using empirical examples where certain ways of walking are taught and learnt, this presentation explores how ways of walking are connected to the individual’s emotions and embodied experience as well as with cultural norms and values concerning social relations, work, health, and morals.

Paper long abstract:

My research focuses learning processes where movements, including certain ways of walking, are taught in processes also involving transmission of certain attitudes and ideals. This presentation focuses two empirical examples where ideal ways of walking are presented alongside certain values and morals, and where my own walking has provided important experiences and analytical insights.

The ideal way of walking differs greatly between Somalia and Sweden, especially for women. In an integration-project in Stockholm, Sweden, newly arrived Somali refugees are taught new skills, including how to walk and talk to make a good impression on potential employers. This puts the immigrants in a position of uncertainty, navigating new ways of moving as well as conflicting ideals and morals.

Classes in Middle Eastern dance include learning new ways of walking. The taken for granted process of walking is un-learnt and re-learnt, sometimes leading to feelings of uncertainty. When mastered, however, the new ways of walking can be used to deal with situations of uncertainty in dance as well as in other social contexts.

During fieldwork among the Somali refugees, it became clear that the way they walked and moved was very different from my own, something that led to both frustration and analytical insights. In contrast, my insider position in the Middle Eastern dance classes made it easy to become part of the group and concentrate on the learning process. However, as it turned out, my own experience and understanding of the movements was not always similar to the other participants´.